Columbus State University stands out primarily for its affordability and accessibility, offering some of the lowest net prices among public universities for students from all income backgrounds.
The university provides broad access to higher education, particularly serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students who benefit from its commitment to keeping costs manageable.
Columbus State University ranks among Georgia's public universities as an accessible institution that serves a diverse student body, though with mixed outcomes depending on the field of study. Azimuth places Columbus State in the lower tier nationally for overall value, reflecting earnings that tend to run below typical expectations for public university graduates. However, the university shows particular strength in nursing and health sciences programs, which drive much of its positive economic impact.
Nearly 44% of students receive Pell Grants, and about 33% are first-generation college students, indicating Columbus State's important role in providing access to higher education for underserved populations. The university maintains relatively affordable net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying around $10,370 annually. While overall graduation rates remain modest at 42% within six years, the institution demonstrates commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
As a medium-sized public university in Columbus, Georgia, Columbus State offers the benefits of a more intimate campus environment while maintaining the resources and program breadth of a comprehensive university. For students who choose high-return programs like nursing or computer science, the university can provide solid career preparation and financial outcomes that justify the investment.
Columbus State University's program portfolio centers around health sciences and nursing, which drive the institution's strongest career outcomes. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as both the largest and most economically successful, graduating 224 students annually with median earnings around $56,169. This program represents the university's primary economic engine, combining substantial enrollment with competitive post-graduation salaries that reflect strong demand for nursing professionals in Georgia and the broader Southeast.
Computer science and artificial intelligence programs, while smaller with about 65 graduates, deliver some of the highest individual earnings at approximately $54,852. These technology-focused degrees represent Columbus State's efforts to prepare students for high-growth sectors, though the relatively small cohort size limits their overall institutional impact. Health Services programs enroll significant numbers but show more variable outcomes, with graduates earning around $26,482 in early career positions.
The contrast between high-performing programs like nursing and computer science versus lower-earning fields like biology highlights the importance of strategic program selection at Columbus State. Students who align their studies with the university's areas of strength—particularly in health sciences and technology—can achieve outcomes that compete with graduates from more prestigious institutions, while those in other fields may face more challenging career prospects.
Columbus State University graduates earn a median of $44,544 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below typical expectations for public university outcomes. However, this overall figure masks significant variation by program, with nursing graduates earning around $56,169 and computer science majors reaching approximately $54,852, while other fields like biology show more modest returns at about $23,649.
The university's strongest economic engine is its nursing program, which graduates 224 students annually and combines high enrollment with solid earnings outcomes. Adult Health Nursing represents the highest aggregate return program, reflecting both the substantial number of graduates and their competitive post-graduation salaries. Computer science and artificial intelligence programs, though smaller in scale with about 65 graduates, deliver some of the highest individual earnings at the institution. Health Services programs enroll significant numbers but show more variable outcomes, with early-career earnings around $26,482.
While Columbus State's overall earnings performance runs below national averages for public universities, students who focus on the institution's strongest programs—particularly in nursing, health sciences, and technology fields—can achieve outcomes that compare favorably with graduates from higher-ranked institutions. The key is strategic program selection, as career outcomes vary considerably across the university's academic offerings.
Columbus State University offers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Georgia families. Low-income students pay approximately $10,370 per year after aid, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families see annual costs around $13,287. Even higher-income families pay a relatively modest $15,428 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels at Columbus State are generally manageable, with typical graduates leaving with about $26,000 in federal student loan debt. Parent PLUS borrowing averages around $12,000, a relatively modest amount that suggests many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, work-study, and personal contributions rather than relying heavily on borrowing. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates are generally able to meet their repayment obligations successfully.
The combination of reasonable net prices and manageable debt loads makes Columbus State particularly attractive for cost-conscious families. While earnings outcomes vary by program, the university's affordability structure ensures that students can pursue their education without taking on excessive financial risk, especially important given that many students come from first-generation and lower-income backgrounds.
Columbus State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
